Obituary of James Allen Dean

Dean, James “Jim” A.

Saginaw, Michigan

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on July 20, 2024. He was 79 years old. James (Jim) Dean was born on October 3, 1944, in Saginaw, Michigan, to Raymond and Magdalen (Holzhofer) Dean. He met Cynthia Cady in 1964 on a blind date and picked her up in his ‘64 light blue GTO. They were married on August 26, 1967, in Lansing,

Michigan. Jim attended Ss. Peter & Paul High School and then Arthur Hill High School, graduating in 1962. He proudly served his country in the United States Army Reserve for six years. Jim was employed by General Motors Grey Iron Foundry as a Pattern Maker, retiring in July of 2000 after 37 years of service. He resided in Frankenmuth for 27 years prior to retirement where he raised his family and was known for his meticulous lawn and landscaping. He will be remembered for always loving and supporting his family and cherishing his grandchildren. Jim loved classic cars, camping and living at Houghton Lake for more than 20 years after retirement. It was there that he felt much peace and joy. He was a gifted wood worker and proudly built many legacy furniture pieces that will be enjoyed by his family for many years to come. Jim also enjoyed wintering in Florida after retirement and made many special friends on their journeys.

Surviving are his wife, Cynthia “Cindy” Dean; two daughters, Leslee Daenzer and Lori (Jason) Zacharko; grandchildren, Ashlee (Jake) Robinson, Ethan Daenzer, Jayce, Luke, Nikolas and Isabella Zacharko; great-grandson, Callum Robinson; one sister, Nancy Holland; nieces, nephews, and many extended family and dear friends. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, several aunts and uncles, as well as his two brothers-in-law.

The family would like to thank Compassus Hospice of Saginaw for their compassionate care in the last year and a half of his life.

MEMORIAL SERVICE: Cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service will take place at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, August 11, 2024 at Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Road (off State). Rev. Fr. Steve M. Gavit will officiate. Military Honors will be conducted under the auspices of the United States Army following the service.

VISITATION: Family and friends will gather at Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) on Sunday, August 11, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service.

MEMORIALS: Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Compassus Hospice of Saginaw.

Deisler Funeral Home is honored to serve the Dean family. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.